FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS & USEFUL INFORMATION
There's no need to bring loads of luggage, shoes aren't allowed on deck and its warm enough for shorts and t-shirts most of the time.
It is customary to tip the crew at the end of the holiday. All the crew members work very hard throughout the entire duration of the trip, always with a smile and ready to help their guests.They are happy if their job is appreciated and the guests show them their satisfaction.
This gullet carries a Wi-Fi router. It provides web access to a limited number of internet-enabled devices at the same time. We ask that guests use the Wi-Fi responsibly and avoid large down/uploads and be mindful of other guests, logging your device off when not in use. Internet access relies on land-based 3G networks; signal quality can vary, occasionally there is none.
The strength of the signal depends on our location. There is coverage along most of the coast but at times it may be weak or SOS-only level. If you plan to use your own mobile/cell phone, please ask your provider about roaming rates and activation procedures.
We often spend nights anchored in remote coves and bays, either as the only boat present or along with few others. During those nights, the only prevalent noises are the lapping of the waves, the hypnotic but unobtrusive creaking of the wooden hull, and now and then the blowing of the wind. As well as the peace and quiet and proximity to nature, nights out in bays have the advantage of allowing guests more swimming opportunities, both in the evening and early the following morning. Other nights are spent moored in small ports or marinas. The frequency of such nights depends on the itinerary in question (some have more harbour nights than others) as well as the weather.
Our Greek island cruises typically include more harbour stays than the itineraries along the Turkish coast - but the lovely island port towns and villages are most definitely a highlight on those trips. Nights in harbour can be a little warmer, because towns are generally warmer and there is less opportunity for a through breeze. They can also be noisier than nights in bays with a range of potential noise sources, ranging from chatting on neighbouring boats to shore traffic and music etc. from local restaurants and bars, even occasional concerts. Harbour nights offer many advantages: the opportunity to stretch one’s legs and go ashore for a stroll or for shopping, or to enjoy a coffee or glass of local wine before or after dinner, the chance to observe town or village life, and to admire the often highly picturesque port scenery (e.g. in the Greek islands). We try where possible to offer a mix of nights in harbour and out in bays so our guests get a full and rounded experience. If you are concerned about noise, are a very light sleeper or habitually use earplugs, we recommend you bring ear plugs with you for your own comfort.
We usually cruise for about three to four hours a day, generally by motor to keep to schedule, so we can visit sites in the itinerary at the right time of day and with plenty of time to explore them thoroughly. Bibi AyÅŸegül has sails, and the crew is always wishing of sailing, but - generally speaking - gullets are large and heavy (making them very stable), weighing in at 70/100 tonnes. Unlike light fibreglass boats, they require a fair amount of wind to get them sailing, and we don’t sail in strong winds, as this would be uncomfortable for guests and would require a much larger crew. Weather and time permitting we hope you’ll have the opportunity to sail at least once in a one week trip.
The water conditions around the Turkish and Greek coast, as opposed to the large oceans, are generally quite calm. The Mediterranean, being non-tidal, is a very different proposition to the great seas and oceans, but of course the weather can blow up at times.
Very seldom our cruise people have been sea sick The gullet is all broad and beamy and of a decent length so she offers a very comfortable ride.
The Captain watches the weather very closely and try to avoid rough seas. Invariably there are plenty of places around the coast of Turkey, Greece to take shelter and hide from the elements if the wind does start to blow up. For the large part we cruise close to the coast and a wealth of coves and hidden bays.
Beach towels are provided.
Our gullet is carefully maintained throughout the year. In the winter the boat spends several months in dry dock, being cared for. As all the commercial boats, this gullet has to be fully certified every year to meet with Turkish maritime safety standards and to have their insurance renewed. Needless to say the Captain and crew on board are all certified and highly experienced.(see "Crew" section).